Question

1. a) Discuss the feedback loop for both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia in someone with type 1 diabetes. Assume that the person does not have access to any medication. b) Explain why it is dangerous if diabetes goes untreated.

2. Hormonal contraceptives are prescribed for many biological females with abnormal menstrual cycles. Why is this done? Explain using an example of a hormonal contraceptive

Answer 1

1.a)Hyperglycemia is the condition in which blood sugar level is very high and hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugar level is too low .Hyperglycemia continues in the body,if no medication is taken.Hypoglyvemia can occur due to the overuse of blood sugar lowering medicines.Type 1 diabetes is disorder in which beta cells of of pancreas cannot secrete insulin.The blood sugar level is controlled by two hormones.Insulin and glucagon.Insulin decreases the excess amount of glucose in the blood.It triggers the muscle and fat cells to utilize glucose as fuel.It also helps to convert excess glucose to starch and store in the liver.Thus insulin checks the blood glucose level.Glucagon does the opposite.It increases the glucose level in blood.If a person experience hypoglycemia,glucagon acts on liver cells and helps to convert glycogen to glucose .Thus insulin and glucagon maintain the homeostasis by negative feedback.But a disorder like type 1 diabetes disrupt this feedback mechanism.In type 1 diabetes beta cells of pancreas are not able to secrete insulin.So the fat and muscle cells cannot utilize excess glucose and ultimately blood sugar level rises.Inorder to lower the blood sugar ,if a person starts starvation the blood sugar lowers below the normal.Then the glucagon acts and increases the blood sugar level.But there is no insulin to control this.Thus the feedback loop is broken

b)Diabetes is a very dangerous disease if left untreated.In diabetes ,due to lack of secretion of insulin the blood sugar level arises.If left untreated it can affect almost all the organs.It can cause heart diseases,strokes , vision problem,skin infections,kidney failure,nerve damage,hearing impairment etc.The person can die at a very early period of his life.

2.Abnormal menstruation can be regulated by taking hormonal contraceptives which are actually used for birth control.These hormonal pills when given at regular pace can correct the menstrual problems.Abnormal menstruation occurs due to the imbalance in hormones secreted.High level of male hormones or androgens in the body can disrupt the menstrual cycle.Taking hormonal contraceptives that contain hormones such as Progesterone and estrogen can induce bleeding ,reduce the secretion of male hormones by ovaries,reduce the activities of testosterone etc.For example oral pill like medroxyprogesterone is a pill that contains progesterone.Hormone releasing intra uterine device,birth control patches etc. are other devices by which hormone is secreted to body to correct abnormal menstruation.